Spring Break Adventures Off The Beaten Path

Adventurers who are willing to think outside the box enjoy many more options than…

Those who prefer to stick with more traditional choices. How about mountain biking down a volcano this Spring Break? Set in Cotopaxi National Park, this snow-capped volcano is one of the tallest in the world that remains active to this day. The second highest mountain in all of Ecuador and one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, Cotopaxi is a top spot for recreational climbers. The trek to the top is spectacular and summiting in the soft light of dawn is an experience unlike any other. The view at the top of the volcano is surreal.

If it’s an adventurous road trip and camping that you seek, why not look to Mount Rushmore? There, you can hike through the mountains, see the rugged beauty of the Badlands and explore one of the world’s longest cave systems. If you choose to go on a bike ride, consider the Mickelson Trail. It follows the abandoned Burlington Northern line that took trains from Edgemont up north to the Black Hills and gold mines of the Deadwood area. At approximately 110 miles, you’ll see a lot of different country ranging from unique granite rock formations to hay bale-dotted farmland. A few highlights are riding through blasted hard-rock tunnels and over 100 converted railroad bridges.

And did you know that, Spring Break is not as popular in Europe as it is in the U.S., so going to the Old Continent this time of year is still considered (fairly) low season. This gorgeous area is best experienced on a bike. Ride and Seek is an astonishing bike tour that will have you enjoy eight villages classified as some of the most beautiful in France, hence the name “Les plus beaux.” The itinerary includes a big challenge – climbing Mont Ventoux. Be enchanted by the rich Roman heritage of the region and sample the sophisticated wines of Côtes du Rhône.